Tony and James Questions Continue

After less than three months in operation, Tony and James Restaurant in Kentlands Downtown is the subject of questions regarding a change in ownership and name, as well as complaints from employees who say they haven’t been paid.

The restaurant has been sold to Parham Feiz, who was the former general manager, according to former co-owner James Lloyd.

The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control, however, says Tony Massenburg’s name is still on the license and Feiz’ name has replaced former licensee Melissa Merlo.

Feiz is listed as a resident agent of Tony and James. Melissa Johns with the Department of Liquor Control said the resident agent is a person that is listed on the alcohol license who has lived in Montgomery County for at least two years. “They do not have to have any dealing with the business,” she said.

Department of Liquor Control Director Kathie Durbin said a change in resident agent is not uncommon. She said her staff is in conversations with attorneys for Tony and James, but she was not at liberty to discuss the details of the conversations.

Inquiries to both Lloyd and Massenburg about Massenburg’s continued role with the restaurant were not answered.

Feiz confirmed that the restaurant will change to a sports bar theme. His response was “no comment” to The Town Courier’s further questions.

According to Lloyd, the name of the restaurant will change some time in the next month and a new sign will go up. The city of Gaithersburg had not been contacted regarding a change of business or signage as of September 7, however, said Greg Ossont, director of
planning and code administration.

A new menu is in the works. Entrees will be priced under $17, said Lloyd.

A change of ownership — or at least management — isn’t the only issue raising questions at the restaurant. Several current and former employees say they have not been paid for hours worked.

Michael Stone, who worked as a line chef, said he went two pay periods without a check, and said before that his pay was reduced retroactively. “I really have never dealt with such unprofessional people,” he said.

It took a while, but former executive chef for the restaurant Gordon Lippe did resolve an issue with his paycheck. After only four days on the job, Lippe was fired for reasons he said he can’t understand. “We’ve chosen to go our separate ways,” he said.

Lloyd said he and Massenburg pulled out of the business to focus their energy on a new restaurant they plan to open in Georgetown and another in Florida.